Department of Social Work Field Education Manual BSW Program

Transcription

1 Department of Social Work Field Education Manual BSW Program College of Health and Human Services Social Work Department Giesela Grumbach, PhD, MSW, LCSW Director of Field Education 0 P age

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3 Table of Contents CHAPTER TITLE PAGE 1 Administration Staff - Faculty Listing 5 2 Fieldwork 7 a. Objectives by Program Level 7 b. CSWE Accrediting Body for Social Work Education 7 c. More on CSWE 9 d. Signature Pedagogy 10 e. CSWE Core Competencies 10 f. Generalist Practice 16 g. Disability & ADA Compliance 17 3 Requirements, Procedures & Responsibilities 18 a. Eligibility to Enter the Field 18 b. Field Compliance 20 c. Orientation 20 d. Procedures for Obtaining a Field Placement 21 e. Learning Contract 21 f. Field Supervision What is it? 22 g. Field Supervision is Important 23 h. Expectations for Students 24 4 Policies 26 a. Field Evaluation 26 b. Duration of Internship/Field Placement 26 c. Grading Guidelines 27 d. Consistent Care of Clients 27 e. Site Visits 27 f. Vehicle Usage 27 g. Safety 27 h. Field Agency Attendance, Breaks, Vacations, Time Off 28 i. Other Requirements 29 j. Disruptions in the Field 29 k. Disciplinary Actions or Staffing 30 l. Procedures for Resolving Issues in the Field Placement 31 2 P age

4 5 Roles & Other Requirements 33 a. Role of Field Director 33 b. Role of Field Liaison 34 c. Role of Agency Field Supervisor 35 d. Role of Task Supervisor 36 e. Responsibilities of the Student in Field Placement 36 6 Application Process / Application Booklet 37 a. Application Instructions 37 b. Application 40 c. Background Check Information 43 d. Instructions for Securing Malpractice Insurance 44 Appendices APPENDIX A Sample Messages APPENDIX B Sample Cover Letter 47 APPENDIX C Sample Resume 48 APPENDIX D Field Application Checklist 49 APPENDIX E Field Update& Information Form 50 APPENDIX F Acknowledgement Form 51 APPENDIX G Time Sheet 52 3 P age

5 Preface Field work has been heralded as the signature pedagogy of social work education (CSWE, 2008). The Field Office under the auspices of the Social Work Department at GSU provides students with optimal learning experiences in the field. Integrative Field Seminar affords students opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice through a process oriented learning environment. Through the simultaneous course offerings of Field Practicum and Field Seminar students solidify their practice skills, learn to use supervision effectively, practice self-reflection, demonstrate professionalism, model the NASW Code of Ethics, promote social justice and develop their own professional identity. 4 P age

6 Chapter 1 Administration Staff Faculty Listing Social Work Department Department Chair Gerri Outlaw, Ed.D., MSW MSW Program Director G Building / Extension goutlaw@govst.edu Faculty Administration Field Education Giesela Grumbach, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Type 73 Certification Director of Field Education G Building / Extension ggrumbach@govst.edu BSW Program Coordinator Lorri Glass, PhD, MSW, LCSW Associate Professor - Social Work G Building / Extension lglass@govst.edu Johnsie McAuley-Davis Office Administrator - Social Work G Building / Extension jmcauley@govst.edu Staff 5 P age

7 Integrative Field Seminar Faculty (In alphabetical order) Brown, Pamela Lecturer BSW Field Coordinator Office G Crowder, Lori - Lecturer Office G lcrowder@govst.edu Levi Glass, MSW Senior Lecturer Office G lglass1@govst.edu Howard, Joy, MSW, M.ED, Type 73 Office G jhoward@govst.edu Hoyles, Deborah, MSW, LCSW Office G dhoyles@govst.edu Spann, Bridgette, MSW, LSW Office G bspann@govst.edu Ware, Phil, MSW, ABD, LCSW Office G pware@govst.edu Wilson, Januari, MSW, LCSW Office G jwilson@govst.edu 6 P age

8 Chapter 2 - Fieldwork Objectives by Program Level BSW After completing the foundation curriculum at Governors State University students are expected to be well versed in the principles of generalist practice. Generalist practice is grounded in the liberal arts and the person and environment construct. To promote human and social well-being, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organization, and communities. The generalist practitioner identifies with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical thinking in practice. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, support and build on strengths and resiliency of all human beings. They engage in research informed practice and are proactive in responding to the impact of context on professional practice (CSWE, 2008, p.7). Students will be able to: 1. Apply knowledge of the relationship between individuals and their environment in multiple contexts including historical, cultural, biological, psychological, spiritual and social contexts. 2. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. 3. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and engage these principles in practice. 4. Practice without discrimination and respect all people regardless of one s age, class, ethnicity, culture, ability, national origin, family structure, gender or sexual orientation. 5. Practice with respect and cultural humility. 6. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. 7. Examine and understand the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues. 8. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice in a variety of practice levels (micro, mezzo and macro). 9. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand human development, behavior and agency across the lifespan as well as interactions between individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. 10. Gain proficiency in generalist practice with individuals and/or groups and communities. 7 P age

9 The Field Manual is the standard guide for Field Education in the Social Work Program at Governors State University. It presents policies and procedures to assist students, field agency instructors and GSU field faculty. The Field Manual is intended to serve as a guide regarding professional mandates, field instruction roles and responsibilities, field instruction procedures, the Field Instructor Agreement, and student performance as it relates to field and the field curriculum. The Field Director s office is located in G122. Questions related to this manual or field instruction can be directed to the Director of Field Education at or by fieldeducationoffice@govst.edu. Field instruction is an integral part of the BSW Degree Program. Opportunities to integrate classroom knowledge with social work practice, and develop professional skills in fieldwork settings are provided. The field experience is closely supervised by credentialed professionals. Only those students who are admitted to the BSW program and remain in good standing are eligible to enroll in field instruction courses and a field internship. To enter field students must meet the following requirements: BSW Field Practica and Seminar - students are required to have a 2.5 GPA All students must enroll for the same course numbered Field Practicum and Field Seminar (e.g., and / and fall semester and spring semester and / and ) Students must comply with their Plans of Study and are highly encouraged to meet with their Academic Advisors before applying for Field. The primary purpose of field instruction is to provide students with educational opportunities that lead to core competencies of practice in alignment with GSU s social work curricular objectives and educational standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Also, field education provides a bridge from conceptual to applied knowledge in social work through hands on practical application. CSWE Accrediting Body for Social Work Education The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), an accreditation organization, has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the nation. CSWE is a nonprofit national association representing 2,500 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, CSWE continues to provide an important partnership between educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies and private citizens. 8 P age

10 More on CSWE CSWE works to ensure the preparation of competent social work professionals, promotes high quality of social work education, and strives to stimulate knowledge and curricular development to advance social justice in effort to strengthen community and individual well-being. Purpose: Social Work Practice, Education, and Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards: CSWE writes, The purpose of the social work profession is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person in environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, social work s purpose is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons (CSWE, 2010, p. 1). CSWE further recognizes the role of social work educators in providing service to the profession through their teaching, scholarship, and service. As a profession, social work education shapes the profession s future by ensuring students are well suited to the profession and are educated as competent professionals. According to CSWE, social work education not only prepares baccalaureate, masters and doctoral level students as future social workers but also serves to encourage the generation of knowledge and leadership within the professional community. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) uses the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate and master s level social work programs. EPAS supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for professional competence. It permits programs to use traditional and emerging models of curriculum design by balancing requirements that promote comparability across programs with a level of flexibility that encourages programs to differentiate (CSWE, 2010, p. 1). Source: Fact Sheet on Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2010). Commission on Accreditation. Council on Social Work Education. Retrieved from: For more information on CSWE go to: 9 P age

11 Signature Pedagogy of Social Work The CSWE (2008) identified field education as the signature pedagogy of social work education. As such, field education provides students with critical learning opportunities to enable them to experience real world practice situations. Students learn through active observation of clinical client interactions, shadowing and practice with actual clients. A major component of field education at GSU is the concurrent track of field education that takes place through both field practicum and field seminar courses. Students benefit from field integrative seminar because it provides students with consultation, guidance, peer exchange and structure to process what happens in the field in real time. Students are expected to maximize the use of the integrative field seminar and participate fully in its process. Field integrative seminar is a weekly course taken throughout both semesters as they complete their yearlong field internship/practicum. CSWE Core Competencies: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to: Educational Policy Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Understand the value base of the professional and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly. Social Workers Advocate for client access to the services of social work Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development Attend to professional roles and boundaries Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication Engage in career-long learning Educational Policy Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. Social Workers Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions 10 P age

12 Educational Policy Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice with systems of all sizes. Social Workers Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including researchbased knowledge, and practice wisdom Analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues Educational Policy Engage diversity and difference in practice. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies. Social Workers Recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants Educational Policy Advance human rights and social and economic justice. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and Social Workers Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice Educational Policy Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change. Social Workers Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry Use research evidence to inform practice Educational Policy Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. Social Workers Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment 11 P age

13 Educational Policy Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. Social Workers Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment Educational Policy Respond to contexts that shape practice. Social Workers Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services Provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services Educational Policy (a) (d) Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (a)-Engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Social Workers Substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Use empathy and other interpersonal skills Develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes (b) Assessment with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Social Workers Collect, organize, and interpret client data Assess client strengths and limitations Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives elect appropriate intervention strategies (c) Intervention with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Social Workers Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals Implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities Help clients resolve problems Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients Facilitate transitions and endings (d) Evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Social Workers Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions 12 P age

14 CSWE Advanced Competencies: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to: Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work recognize the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the person-in-environment and strengths perspectives, the professional use of self with clients, and adherence to ethical guidelines of professional behavior. Advanced practitioners: Readily identify as social work professionals; Demonstrate professional use of self with client(s); Understand and identify professional strengths, limitations and challenges; Develop, manage, and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients within the person-in-environment and strengths perspectives Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work are knowledgeable about ethical issues, legal parameters, and shifting societal mores that affect the therapeutic relationship. Advanced practitioners: Apply ethical decision-making skills to issues specific to clinical social work; Employ strategies of ethical reasoning to address the use of technology in Clinical practice and its effect on client rights; Identify and use knowledge of relationship dynamics, including power differentials; Recognize and manage personal biases as they affect the therapeutic relationship in the service of the clients well-being Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments Advanced practitioners understand and differentiate the strengths and limitations of multiple practice theories and methods. They deconstruct theories and methods to evaluate how they relate to clients within their environmental context. They regularly question and reflect on their own assumptions and consider how these might affect practice. Advanced practitioners: Engage in reflective practice; Identify and articulate clients strengths and vulnerabilities; Evaluate, select, and implement appropriate multidimensional assessment, diagnostic, intervention, and practice evaluation tools; Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of multiple theoretical perspectives differentially apply them to client situations; and Communicate professional judgments to other social workers and to professionals from other disciplines, in both verbal and written format 13 P age

15 2.1.4 Engage diversity and difference in practice. Advanced practitioners are knowledgeable about many forms of diversity and difference and how these influence the therapeutic relationship and clients presenting issues. Advanced practitioners are knowledgeable about the ways in which various dimensions of diversity affect (a) explanations of illness, (b) help-seeking behaviors, and (c) healing practices (Cal-SWEC, 2006). Advanced practitioners: Research and apply knowledge of diverse populations to enhance client wellbeing; Work effectively with diverse populations; and Identify and use practitioner/client differences from a strengths perspective Advance human rights and social and economic justice. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work understand the potentially challenging effects of economic, social, and cultural factors in the lives of clients and client systems. Advanced practitioners understand the stigma and shame associated with disorders, diagnoses, and helpseeking behaviors across diverse populations. They also understand strategies for advancing human rights and social and economic justice in domestic and global contexts.. Advanced practitioners: Use knowledge of the effects of oppression, discrimination, and historical Trauma on client and client systems to guide treatment planning and intervention; Advocate at multiple levels for mental health parity and reduction of health disparities for diverse populations Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Advanced clinical practitioners are knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions, best practices, and the evidence-based research process. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work Advanced practitioners: Use the evidence-based practice process in clinical assessment and intervention with clients; Participate in the generation of new clinical knowledge, through research and practice; and Use research methodology to evaluate clinical practice effectiveness and/or outcomes Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. Advanced practitioners understand how to synthesize and differentially apply the theories of human behavior and the social environment (biological, developmental, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual). They are familiar with diagnostic classification systems used in the formulation of a comprehensive assessment. Advanced practitioners understand how sociocultural contexts influence definitions of psychopathology. Advanced practitioners: Synthesize and differentially apply theories of human behavior and the social environment to guide clinical practice; Use bio-psycho-social-spiritual theories and multiaxial diagnostic classification systems in formulation of comprehensive assessments; and Consult with medical professionals, as needed, to confirm diagnosis and/or to monitor medication in the treatment process 14 P age

16 2.1.8 Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work recognize the connection between clients, practice, and both public and organizational policy. Advanced practitioners have knowledge about factors that influence the development of legislation, policies, program services, and funding at all system levels. Advanced practitioners: Communicate to stakeholders the implication of policies and policy change in the lives of clients; Use evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence in advocacy for Policies that advance social and economic well-being; and Advocate with and inform administrators and legislators to influence policies that impact clients and service Respond to contexts that shape practice. Advanced practitioners in clinical social work are knowledgeable about how relational, organizational, and community systems may impact clients. They anticipate and react to evolving cultural, technological, geographical, political, legal, economic, and environmental contexts. They encourage clients to effect changes within these contexts. Advanced practitioners: Assess the quality of clients interactions within their social contexts; Develop intervention plans to accomplish systemic change; and Work collaboratively with others to effect systemic change that is sustainable (a) (d) Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Advanced practitioners: Engagement a Develop a culturally responsive therapeutic relationship; Attend to the interpersonal dynamics and contextual factors that both strengthen and potentially threaten the therapeutic alliance; and Establish a relationally based process that encourages clients to be equal participants in the establishment of treatment goals and expected outcomes Assessment b Collect, organize, and interpret client data; Assess client strengths and limitations; Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives; and Select appropriate intervention strategies Intervention c Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals; Implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities; Help clients resolve problems; Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; and Facilitate transitions and endings 15 P age

17 Evaluation d Contribute to the theoretical knowledge base of the social work profession through practice-based research; and Use clinical evaluation of the process and/or outcomes to develop best practice interventions for a range of bio-psycho-social-spiritual conditions Generalist Practice Generalist practice pertains to problem solving at multiple levels of intervention, and incorporates the use of varied methods, strategies, and roles for social work intervention. Field education will provide students with the opportunity to discuss generalist practice methods and provide practice opportunities within the field. The generalist practice approach which is emphasized across the curriculum is also the focus of BSW field experiences. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning opportunities at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Moreover, students are expected to gain experience working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations to develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation of client systems. The field experience allows students to acquire in-depth social work practice knowledge and professional development. Students are exposed to an array of social work roles to promote their social work professional identity. Fieldwork is closely integrated with classroom courses. This enables the student to have fieldwork assignments that coincide with course assignments as well. NASW Code of Ethics All students, field liaisons and field instructors in the social work program have the responsibility to understand and adhere to the NASW code of Ethics as well as the Governors State Code of Conduct (on the GSU portal). A link to the current Code can be found on the NASW website: Growing into a competent social work professional requires students to begin grappling with ethical principles and decision making in their practice with clients. Students will address ethical issues and practice standards in their learning contracts and discuss them on a regular basis in field supervision. Social work education includes having a commitment to the (NASW) Code of Ethics, developing into a culturally competent professional and maintaining self-care. 16 P age

18 Disability and Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) It is the policy and practice of the Department of Social Work to provide equitable educational opportunities for students with documented disabilities in all programs and activities related to field instruction. GSU complies with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In order to ensure proper accommodation during field work (internship placement), arrangements must be made prior to being assigned to the field. Please notify the Director of Access Services for Students with Disabilities (ASSD) during the first week of the term so that your needs may be appropriately met. To register (and to provide documentation) contact the ASSD Director in person in Room B1215; or send an to or call 708/ If you already are registered please contact the ASSD Director to discuss your specific needs for accommodations. The Director of Field Education, the Field Liaison, and Academic Advisor may work in collaboration with the Academic Resource Center to assist students with disabilities. A meeting may be scheduled (based on the availability of all parties) to support or assist the student with any field related concerns. In addition, these parties may also collaborate should a student require a staffing to address issues of deficiency in field work. 17 P age

19 Chapter 3 Requirements, Procedures & Responsibilities Eligibility to Enter the Field Students are required to meet the following criteria for their field placements: 1. Admission to the BSW program 2. Completion of the core required courses (in sequential order) BSW- BSW students may qualify for field practicum once they have completed the following course work: o SOCW Introduction to Social Work o SOCW Social Welfare Policy I o SOCW Interviewing Skills o SOCW Diversity and Social Justice o SOCW Human Behavior in Social Environment o SOCW Generalist Social Work Practice o SOCW Human Behavior in the Social Environment II o SOCW Generalist Social Work Practice II o Addictions Course on lower or upper division or ADDS 3200, 4105, 4180 or 5100 at GSU (3) 18 P age

20 3. Maintain the following GPA a. BSW must have at least a 2.5 b. MSW must have at least a Take field seminar and field practicum concurrently 5. Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics 6. Maintain appropriate boundaries and demonstrate a mature and professional demeanor in all your interactions at field placements with clients, agency staff and field supervisors at all times. You must also maintain proper boundaries while in your field seminars, accept critical feedback and demonstrate appropriate respect of your field liaisons and peers at all times. 7. Approval of the Field Director 19 P age

21 Field Compliance (conditions of field work): To remain in your field placement you must comply with the following: 1. Obtain a student membership with the NASW 2. Obtain malpractice insurance & submit proof of insurance to the field director s office (by June of the year you are entering field) 3. Obtain a background check from - a. If the agency does not provide a background check you must get one through the GSU approved site listed above b. If the agency pays for your background check you must still provide proof that the background check has been conducted 4. Comply with all agency requirements (background check, immunizations, shots, medical exams, drug screenings, etc.) 5. Complete all necessary paperwork learning contract, time sheets, field update form for Seminar Instructor/Field Liaison and Field Director 6. Students must remain open to instruction and critical feedback for improvement of social work practice skills 7. Student must remain at their internships until the end of the semester Failure to provide adequate documentation on a timely basis may result in being dismissed from field. Orientation: Orientation is mandatory for students entering the field. The GSU field orientation will review the application process, procedures for managing problems in the field, and student expectations. The field agency is expected to orient each student to their particular agency and should provide an overview of: policies, procedures, office hours, chain of command, confidentiality and procedures for managing crises (should any arise). 20 P age

22 Procedures for obtaining a field placement: 1. Attend a field orientation (students will be notified by of the date) 2. Complete the field application and personal statement a. Cover letter for field agency only b. Resume for field agency only 3. Make an appointment with Career Services to review cover letter & resume 4. Upon consultation with the field director the potential field agency in application of a field internship with their agency/make selections at the field orientation (form will be provided) 5. Interview with 3 potential field agencies 6. Send thank you notes to interviewer(s) 7. Follow up (within one week) 8. Update the Field Director of your progress (interviews and acceptance of field placement) 9. Complete a field update form and submit it to the field director 10. Field director sends the agency a letter confirming the field placement Also, when you accept a placement make sure you have a firm understanding of your start date, expectations for the winter break (time off) and your end date. Learning Contract Students will: Generate ideas about assignments they want prior to meeting with field supervisor by reviewing the learning contract Reflect on their learning needs and compare them to what the agency has to offer Use specific dates (where able) throughout the learning contract Identify with their field supervisor learning opportunities at the field agency and complete the learning contract by date given on Field Integrative Seminar Syllabus Submit the Learning Contract in a timely fashion in Seminar 21 P age

23 To enhance your field experience make sure you have a good understanding of what learning opportunities the agency offers. In addition, it helps for you to know something about how you learn best and what skills you need to develop. Field Supervision What is it? Field supervision is a tool used in many programs that offer internships to provide students with direction and guidance in field settings. Students are expected to take responsibility for setting agenda items to be discussed in supervision. Students should demonstrate curiosity about the setting, and be poised to ask questions about (for example): Client care Agency protocols, policies or structure New intervention strategies Strategies for engaging diversity Ethics How to advocate on behalf of client groups Field supervision provides interns with: Weekly one hour supervisory meetings A level of accountability in their practice with clients Guidance about agency policies and procedures On-going consultative supervision of cases A model of professionalism in the field Support to navigate unfamiliar territory (new intervention techniques, strategies, etc.) Critical feedback on their performance with clients, assignments or projects 22 P age

24 Field Supervision is Important especially for students Active supervision helps students grow professionally and is meant to provide unbiased feedback thus enhancing a student s ability to reflect on their own behaviors, values, feelings and attitudes about clients. Field work happens with real clients with real life situations, problems and crises which make it vital that students receive supervision. Students have the following responsibility for supervision: Attend supervision at their regularly scheduled time Prepare an agenda for supervision Discuss cases, assignments, theories and best practice Explore their own performance and learning needs Identify areas for potential growth Field Supervisors have the following responsibility for supervision: Provide a space and time for weekly supervision Prepare an agenda for supervision Expect students to present on cases, assignments, and intervention strategies Explore the student s strengths and weaknesses and provide insight for correction /improvement Match students with assignments that help them grow or address any challenges (or deficiencies in practice behavior) The field supervisor student relationship takes time to cultivate. Students are expected to address any issues they have with their placement with their field supervisor first. Talk about whatever issues arise and do not allow problems to get worse before speaking with your field supervisor about them. 23 P age

25 Expectations for Students: A. Mandatory Reporting and Duty to Warn: State of Illinois Laws Compliance The State of Illinois has laws which cover the mandatory reporting of child or elder abuse/neglect and the duty to warn if a client is harmful to him/herself or others. Field instructors and field liaisons are responsible for educating all students with regard to these laws. Students are not allowed to be the primary mandated reporter while functioning as an intern in a field placement. This role is reserved for the fieldwork site field instructor who is responsible for ensuring that all agencies polices, regulations, laws and ethical obligations are followed. The student can assist and should have exposure to situations that involve mandatory reporting and duty to warn. B. Refrain from Using Social Networking for Internship Purposes In the age of technology and information, social media (Facebook, My Space, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs, Instant messaging, Instagram, SMS/Texting, etc.) can be particularly helpful in building connections with colleagues and maintaining relationships with friends and family; however, as a result, the boundary between personal and professional matters has become increasingly blurry. Due to social work s professional standards and the obligation to follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics ( social workers need to continually assess the ethical implications/complications of social media use, not only as practicing social workers but in the training of social work students. Students are expected to exercise caution in how they represent the social work profession as a whole in any online activities. It is very easy for an outsider to misinterpret statements or images out of context. (See NASW Code of Ethics Section 4.06a: Misrepresentation). 24 P age

26 C. Professionalism students must maintain professional boundaries Professional boundaries are extremely important in the field of social work. Adherence to professional boundaries means that there is a clear demarcation between personal and professional ties, activities, and interactions with clients and coworkers or agency staff. Students must be mindful of professional boundaries at all times. Failure to adhere to proper boundaries may result in the immediate dismissal and counseling out of the social work program. Healthy are important and must be established by the social work intern which means you do not become personal friends with clients and must maintain professional relationships with agency staff as well. It is important to reflect on growing feelings of fondness and discuss these in supervision as a way to acknowledge and manage any possible blurring of professional boundaries. To be clear, students are not to: Friend clients or agency staff on social media Become the friends of clients Give money to clients Take client files from the agency Enter into friendships with clients Enter into financial or business relationships with clients Enter into sexual or intimate relationships with clients Give clients their personal information or ask clients for their personal information beyond what is needed in the therapeutic client-worker relationship Participate in cliquish behavior and agency gossip Exchange photos or videos with clients Violate confidentiality at all this includes having an ethical obligation to protect the privacy of all clients, this means a student intern should not search online for information about a client or agency employee as these types of activities compromise personal privacy. 25 P age

27 Chapter 4 - Policies Field Evaluation Although students are evaluated at the end of both semesters in field it is also considered an on-going process. The field evaluation instrument is used at the end of each semester and should be completed by both the student and field supervisor. All evaluations should be submitted on time before the last week of the semester. The field supervisor (at the agency) recommends that students pass or not pass the field practicum based on the student s performance with clients, adherence to agency policies and guidelines, and based on the learning contract. The GSU field liaison assigns a letter grade for the student s performance, attendance, and meaningful participation in field seminar. Duration of Internship/Field Placement The field placement/internship follows the University academic calendar. Students are expected to remain at their field placements until the end of each academic semester unless the field agency contracts with the student to be there longer. Some placements, such as schools, require students to be there until the end of their calendar year. All time off for holidays should be made up to ensure that students get the hours they need. Time off for Winter/Spring break must be negotiated between the student and agency field supervisor. Grading Guidelines Students must pass both field practicum and field integrative seminar if a student fails one course they automatically fail the other. Practicum Seminar Credit or No Credit / by the Agency Field Supervisor Letter grade / by the GSU Field Liaison & Seminar Instructor 26 P age

28 Consistent Care of Clients Consistent care of clients means providing for clients continuously without abandon or malfeasance. Client care must be carried out in a dependable manner. Student interns must understand the commitment they make when entering field work at an agency. The continuous and consistent care of clients is of utmost importance and students must be responsible and committed to client care above all, therefore, students must not abandon their duties at their field placements. Doing so may result in termination from field (which means the student fails Practicum and Integrative Seminar). Site Visits / Mid-term evaluation One site visit per semester the field liaison from GSU will visit the field site one time and complete a report on the student s mid-term progress. Vehicle Usage Home visits may be required at field sites. Students are responsible for inquiring about reimbursement policies of the agency and the agency s safety protocol. Students should also check with their auto insurance to make sure they have the appropriate liability coverage. Transporting clients is strictly prohibited (according to GSU policy). Students are not to transport clients in their personal vehicles. If students are asked to transport clients they should refer the agency supervisor to the field manual. Safety Students are required to discuss safety with their field supervisors before going on any home visit. Students should know what the agency policy is regarding safety. Students must always survey their surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid potentially harmful situations. In all cases, students should develop a plan with their supervisors for dealing with potentially volatile situations or unusual events should they arise. 27 P age

29 Field Agency Attendance, Breaks, Vacations, Time Off & End Date All activities related to the field agency must be negotiated with the field supervisor at the time of the interview and an understanding should be made before accepting the internship placement. Students must: Adhere to the agency s business day (start and end time) Adhere to the agency s end of placement time and expectations o Students have a responsibility to provide continuity of care for their clients at the field agency and must not abruptly end their field placements nor should they leave without approval Negotiate any time off needed Negotiate scheduled breaks Agree to continue working through their school s winter break if the agency expects it Agree to attend their internship until the end of the semester which is the basis of their grade Agree to make up hours (that they miss due to illness, etc.) Students must call in to their field supervisors if they are going to be absent for any reason. Students are allowed up to 16 hours of sick leave during the internship per semester. If students are off more than the allowable 16 hours they must contact their field liaison to work out a plan to make up for the hours lost. Absences that exceed the 16 hours may require that the student take an incomplete until such time as they are able to maintain consistent attendance and are required to submit a plan of completion. Students must request in writing that the field agency accept them back in the same semester of the following year. If the field agency is unwilling to take the student back the student will be responsible for finding their own field placement when they return. 28 P age

30 Other Requirements Agencies may request that students submit to criminal background checks, drug testing and/or medical tests. If an agency does not require a background check ONE MUST BE COMPLETED REGARDLESS SINCE GSU REQUIRES ONE! Also please note that agencies have the right to accept or deny any student a placement based on their own agency s criteria for internship placements. Disruptions in the Field Students will not be placed in another agency if their disruption was due to their own negligence, willful misconduct or after being placed at another agency within one academic year. Placements will be immediately and permanently disrupted if: The student fails to show up or call off to the field agency. The student blatantly disrespects clients, their field supervisor or staff at the field agency. The student terminates their placement without the permission or consultation of their field liaison or the field director. The student behaves in grossly inappropriate/unprofessional ways o Dress improper for the workplace (and fails to self-correct once they have been warned). o Failure to adhere to proper student boundaries at the field agency (students are not to fraternize with staff as if they are employed in the agency / behave in divisive and unprofessional ways). o Removes confidential files from the field agency. The student engages in personal relationships with clients (or staff) at the field agency. The student conducts themselves in an immature and unprofessional manner regarding the use of social media. Students may not use any form of social media to discuss clients, field supervisors, agencies, or their fellow students. 29 P age

31 Violations considered grounds for immediate dismissal: Boundary violations on the job (removing records or client information from the field site, fraternizing with agency staff, breeching client confidentiality, unethical behavior resulting in harm to the client or agency), etc. Boundary violations clients (engaging in sexual, intimate or personal relationship with clients, friending clients on social media, and breeching confidentiality), etc. Failure to provide urgent care or discuss the clients urgent need with field supervisor or student abandons internship duties especially where quality of care is compromised and/or results in harm to client or agency, etc. Committing any act of violence or mayhem at the field agency or on campus during field seminar (e.g., against clients, staff, faculty, peers or public). Disciplinary Actions or Staffing Seminars are process oriented classes and confidentiality is to be strictly adhered to at all times. Students are not to discuss case related content or any other sensitive field related content outside the classroom for the purpose of ensuring confidentiality of clients/agencies. Students must also respect their own peers and must not use social media or any other inappropriate forum to talk about their peers in a disparaging manner. Students who fail to maintain professionalism will be subject to disciplinary actions and /or a staffing to determine the whether or not the student has the maturity and professionalism required for participation in field placement and field seminar. If a staffing occurs the field liaison, field supervisor (if deemed necessary), student, academic advisor, and field director will convene a staffing where the student s performance in field will be discussed. The 30 P age

32 field director will make a final determination within 7 days of the staffing. A student may also be disciplined if he/she violates the NASW Code of Ethics; consistently exercises poor judgment or if a student is found to be impaired in any way that prevents him/her from performing the duties of a social work intern. Procedures for Resolving Issues in the Field Placement It is important as emerging professionals for students to learn proper business etiquette and how to mitigate problems in a professional manner. Often, students avoid speaking directly with the person with whom they are having a problem. The Field Education Office encourages students to exercise their own sense of agency whenever possible before escalating an issue up the chain of command. 1. Student (or field supervisor) indicates that there is a problem 2. Student/field supervisor meet with one another about the concern 3. Student again speaks with their field supervisor and if no progress is made after the second time addressing the issue with their field supervisor they should request a meeting with their field liaison. 4. Student (or field supervisor) speaks with the field liaison (student may address the issue in seminar or request to speak with liaison) 5. The field liaison will arrange a meeting with the student, field liaison and themselves to address the issue. At the end of the meeting some plan of action should be established to address the issue. All parties should meet again within 2 4 weeks to evaluate the progress. If the issue has been sufficiently addressed and remedied no further action is necessary. 6. If the problem persists a staffing will be held to determine future action (dismissal, removal of student or cancellation of field site, etc.) 31 P age